Self-descriptions and the ethnic self

Both these quotations are from the same person, Selçuk, a 15-year-old Turkish boy in the third form of a class we examined in our research in multiethnic schools. The first quotation is taken from a lesson in which there was a discussion about cultural diversity and discrimination in society. The discussion covered many aspects, including the issue of self-definition. Selçuk argues that he really feels Turkish, like other Turkish classmates, and that their Turkish identity is very important to them. He also argues that their Turkish culture is important and should be maintained.